A Casper teen accused of attacking his mother led police to a hidden cache of stolen firearms tucked behind a secret wall in his bedroom.
Honor Jason Wickert, 17, appeared Tuesday afternoon in Natrona County Circuit Court, where he was formally charged with four felonies and several misdemeanors, including interference, domestic battery, carrying a concealed weapon, and being a minor in possession of tobacco products.
Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen confirmed Wednesday morning that prosecutors are charging Wickert as an adult.
Court documents paint a picture of a family dispute that escalated into a foot chase through Casper neighborhoods and ended with police uncovering several stolen firearms, credit cards, and more.
The four felony theft charges alone carry a combined maximum penalty of 40 years in prison if served consecutively. Additional jail time could be imposed for the misdemeanor charges.
Family Fracture
According to an affidavit, police were called June 20 after Wickert's mother reported her son had assaulted her during an argument over a cellphone.
She told investigators she was increasingly concerned about what Wickert was hiding inside his locked bedroom.
Days earlier, she forced her way into the room and found vape pens and what she believed could be a credit-card skimming or cloning device, according to court records.
Afterward, Wickert reportedly installed a new locking knob on the bedroom door.
The situation boiled over June 20 when the woman attempted to take his cellphone, says the affidavit submitted by Casper Police Officer Colton Lewis.
The woman told investigators Wickert pushed her to the ground, pinned her with a knee to her back and caused injuries to her face, elbow and back.
Officers documented bruising and redness consistent with her account, the affidavit states.
Backyard Sprint
Wickert called the police himself.
According to court records, he reported that his mother was accusing him of stealing her belongings and kicking doors inside the home.
Officers instructed him to wait for law enforcement.
Instead, he took off running.
Police allege Wickert fled through multiple backyards near South Forest Drive and Seminole Street, tossing two backpacks as officers searched for him.
One backpack contained a Springfield Armory 9mm handgun later confirmed stolen, along with ammunition, vape devices, gloves and a flashlight.
Another contained a wallet holding multiple bank and credit cards belonging to other people.
Among the items recovered was a handwritten note that read:
"Hi my sweet boy," the note read. "I don't know if you're gonna go to jail, but I want you to know that I will wait for you."
Officers eventually took Wickert into custody.
Hidden Arsenal
With his mother's consent, investigators later searched Wickert's bedroom.
According to the affidavit, officers noticed an access panel in a wall that appeared unusual because several screws were missing.
After removing the panel, they discovered a pillowcase wrapped around a pipe inside the wall cavity.
Inside, police found four handguns, loaded magazines and ammunition, Lewis wrote.
Investigators identified the firearms as two Ruger LCP pistols, a Springfield Hellcat Pro pistol and a Glock 43.
Three of the firearms were confirmed to have been stolen. Investigators said the Glock was believed to have been stolen as well.
During Tuesday's hearing before Judge Nichole Collier, bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety.
Wickert remains in custody at the Natrona County Detention Center.
His case is pending in Natrona County Circuit Court. He is expected to next appear for a preliminary hearing within about 10 days.
Kolby Fedore can be reached at kolby@cowboystatedaily.com.
